The Most Famous Prima Ballerina, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Prima Ballerina you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 20, 2024 08:20

In the elegantly demanding world of ballet, the prima ballerina stands as the pinnacle of grace and technical excellence. Their roles are pivotal, not just in performances but as inspirational figures who shape the aspirations of countless young dancers worldwide. A ranking of these outstanding artists helps celebrate their achievements and honors their contribution to the arts. It also serves as a guide for enthusiasts seeking to learn about the top talents in this refined dance form. By participating in the ranking process, you contribute to a collective appreciation of ballet's leading figures. Each vote is an acknowledgment of a prima ballerina's dedication and skill, and it helps fellow ballet fans navigate the rich landscape of performances and artists. This ongoing voting process not only keeps the rankings current but also deepens the community's engagement with the world of ballet.

Who Is the Most Famous Prima Ballerina?

1

50
votes
Photography studio of the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre. St. Petersburg, Russian Empire. · Public domain

Anna Pavlova

Anna Pavlova considered one of the greatest ballerinas of all time, she is known for her ethereal and delicate performances.
Anna Pavlova in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous ballerina of all time
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous ballerina in Russia
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous dancer of the waltz
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person in Russia
2

26
votes
Eric Koch / Anefo · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

Margot Fonteyn

Margot Fonteyn known for her technical precision and dramatic performances, she was a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet for over 20 years.
Margot Fonteyn in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous ballerina of all time
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous dancer of the waltz
3

22
votes
www.kremlin.ru · CC BY 4.0

Maya Plisetskaya

Maya Plisetskaya a Russian ballerina who was known for her expressive and passionate performances. She was a principal dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet for over 30 years.
Maya Plisetskaya in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous ballerina in Russia
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous ballerina of all time
4

12
votes
Gilda N. Squire Gildasquire · CC BY-SA 4.0

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, she is known for her athleticism and groundbreaking career.
Misty Copeland in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful ballerina
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous ballerina of all time
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous street dancer
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous hip-hop dancer
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous dancer
5

15
votes
U.S. federal government · Public domain

Natalia Makarova

Natalia Makarova a Russian ballerina who was known for her technical virtuosity and emotive performances. She was a principal dancer with the Kirov Ballet and later the American Ballet Theatre.
Natalia Makarova in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous ballerina of all time
6

15
votes
scillystuff from UK · CC BY 2.0

Darcey Bussell

Darcey Bussell a British ballerina who was known for her graceful and elegant performances. She was a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet for over 20 years.
Darcey Bussell in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous ballerina of all time
7

11
votes

Catalina Iordache (catasiantim) · CC BY-SA 2.0

Sylvie Guillem

Sylvie Guillem a French ballerina known for her athleticism and contemporary style. She was a principal dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet and the Royal Ballet.
8

8
votes
Alicia Alonso

Alicia Alonso a Cuban ballerina who was a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and the Ballet Nacional de Cuba. She was known for her powerful and expressive performances.
Alicia Alonso in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous dancer in Cuba
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous ballerina of all time
9

7
votes

Gelsey Kirkland

Gelsey Kirkland an American ballerina who was known for her dramatic and intense performances. She was a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet.
10

8
votes
Erik Doble · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tamara Rojo

Tamara Rojo is a Spanish ballerina who is the current artistic director of the English National Ballet. She was a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet and is known for her technical precision and dramatic performances.
Tamara Rojo in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful ballerina

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Ranking factors for famous Prima Ballerina

Level of Skill and Technique

Consider the dancer's technical proficiency, artistic abilities, and mastery of various ballet styles. This can be evaluated based on their performances, reviews, and accolades.
Career Achievements

Look at the dancer's professional accomplishments, such as leading roles in major ballet companies, important collaborations, and significant contributions to the art form. Consider the duration and prominence of their career.
Reputation and Recognition

Assess the dancer's reputation within the ballet community and among audiences. Consider their fame, influence, and impact within the ballet world, as well as any prestigious awards or honors they have received.
Popularity and Public Appeal

Take into account the dancer's popularity with general audiences, including their media presence, public image, and cultural impact. Social media following and audience attendance can also be indicators of their fame.
Historical Significance

Reflect on the dancer's contribution to the history of ballet and their role in shaping the art form. Consider any groundbreaking performances or influential interpretations of iconic roles.
International Recognition

Evaluate the dancer's success and recognition on a global scale, including performances in different countries and collaborations with renowned ballet companies worldwide.
Legacy and Longevity

Consider the lasting impact of the dancer's work and their influence on future generations of ballet dancers. This includes their contributions to teaching, choreography, and mentoring young talent.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Prima Ballerina. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Ballerina is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2358 views
166 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Ballerina once every 24 hours. The rank of each Ballerina is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous prima ballerina

Prima ballerinas are the leading female dancers in a ballet company, often playing the lead roles in productions. Throughout history, many ballerinas have gained worldwide recognition for their talent, skill, and grace. The question of who is the most famous prima ballerina is a highly debated topic, as there have been numerous dancers who have left a lasting impact on the art form. From Anna Pavlova to Misty Copeland, each prima ballerina has brought her unique style and technique to the stage, captivating audiences and inspiring generations of dancers. As the world of ballet continues to evolve, the legacy of these iconic ballerinas lives on, and the question of who is the most famous prima ballerina remains a subject of fascination for dance enthusiasts everywhere.